Apparatus and method for roasting coffee beans

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns an apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising: —a vessel (1) to contain coffee beans, —a heating device (12) to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel, —a control system (180) operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe (R), wherein for a customised quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel, —the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and the type Ny of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and —based on the obtained type Ny, the control system is configured to get access at least to a roasting recipe Ry, said recipe being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ni, and to said pre-determined quantity M, and —based on the accessible roasting recipe Ry and on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to the quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the roasting coffee beans with heatedair, and more specifically to the roasting of different quantities ofcoffee beans, particularly suited for use in the home or in shops andcafes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the last decades, numerous roasters have been developed for use inthe home or in small shops and coffees. Most of the roasters are basedon fluidized bed technology implementing a hot air fluid bed chamber.Within such a chamber, heated air is forced through a screen or aperforated plate under the coffee beans with sufficient force to liftthe beans. Heat is transferred to the beans as they tumble and circulatewithin this fluidized bed. Derived from an industrial roaster describedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,175 (Sivetz), this technology has been adapted insmall domestic devices like U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,484,064, 4,494,314,4,631,838, 4,968,916, 5,269,072, 5,564,331, . . . and today, most ofthese roasters implement automatic roasting processes with roastingprofiles stored in the control unit of the apparatus.

Whereas the roasting chamber of home devices is usually sized to hold asmall quantity of coffee beans that is systematically filled at eachroasting operation, devices for small shops and coffees are usuallysized at an upper scale enabling the operator to roast beans for a largeor a small number of consumers alternatively, depending on the demand.For example, the roasting chamber can be sized to enable the roasting ofa quantity of coffee beans ranging from 50 g to 300 g.

The roasting parameters—essentially time, temperature—cannot be the samefor different quantities of beans to be roasted. Otherwise, when thequantity of beans diverts significantly from the standard usualquantity, the quality of the roasting can be adversely affected: beanscan become burnt or the desired degree may not be reached or the beansmay not be uniformly roasted, or may not provide the optimal sensoryprofile.

US 2004/074400 describes a roasting apparatus wherein the roastingparameters can be adapted depending on weights and types of beans. Inparticular, a standard roasting curve can be adapted based on the weightof coffee beans introduced inside the roaster. Yet it is not explainedwhat this standard roasting curve represents and how it is adapted todifferent types of beans.

US 2014/0314923 describes a roasting apparatus wherein roasting profilesare stored and wherein the controller is operative to calculate anoptimum roasting profile based upon information concerning coffee to beroasted like weight and type of beans. Yet no description of thiscalculation is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to improve the automatic roastingof coffee beans.

It would be advantageous to provide a roasting apparatus enablingoptimal roasting whatever the quantity of beans to roast.

It would be advantageous to provide a roasting apparatus applyingautomatically the roasting profile corresponding to the quantity ofbeans introduced in the apparatus.

Objects of the invention are achieved by the apparatus for roastingcoffee beans according to claim 1, the system according to claim 9, themethod of claim 10 and the computer program according to claim 12.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus forroasting coffee beans comprising:

-   -   a vessel to contain coffee beans,    -   a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel,    -   a control system operable to control the heating device and        configured to apply a roasting recipe (R) providing the        temperature T_(@t1), T_(@t2), . . . to be applied at discrete        successive times t₁, t₂, . . . , respectively,        wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny        introduced inside the vessel,    -   the control system is configured to obtain at least:        -   the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel,            and        -   the type Ny of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel,            and    -   based on the obtained type Ny, the control system is configured        to get access at least to one roasting recipe Ry, said recipe        being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M        of beans of type Ny, and to said pre-determined quantity M,        and    -   based on the accessible roasting recipe Ry, on the accessible        pre-determined quantity M and on said obtained quantity m of        coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is        configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to        the quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the        vessel.

The roasting apparatus comprises a vessel to contain coffee beans duringthe roasting process. In the vessel coffee beans are heated andpreferably mixed to homogenise heating through the beans.

Mixing can be obtained with a fluidic bed of hot air or mechanicallywith stirring blades or through rotation of a rotating drum.

Preferably the vessel is hot air fluid bed chamber. Within such avessel, heated air is forced through a screen or a perforated plateunder the coffee beans with sufficient force to lift the beans. Heat istransferred to the beans as they tumble and circulate within thisfluidized bed. Alternatively the vessel can be a drum chamber whereinthe coffee beans are tumbled in a heated environment. The drum chambercan consist of a horizontal rotating drum or the drum chamber cancomprise stirring blades to tumble the coffee beans in a heatedenvironment.

The roasting apparatus comprises a device to heat coffee beans containedin the vessel. Preferably, the heating device is configured to produce aflow of hot air, said flow of hot air being directed to the coffee beanscontained in the vessel in order to heat them. Usually, the heatingdevice comprises at least an air driver and a heater to heat the flow ofair produced by the air driver.

As a source of heat, preferably the apparatus comprises an electricalheater. This electrical heater is usually an electrical resistance. Anelectrically powered heater presents the advantage that the airpollutants produced during the roasting are pollutants generated fromthe heating of coffee beans themselves and not from the burning of gasesas it happens when the source of heating is a gas burner using naturalgas, propane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or even wood.

The apparatus comprises a control system operable to control the heatingdevice and configured to apply a roasting recipe. This roasting recipe(R) provides the temperature T_(@t1), T_(@t2), . . . to be applied atdiscrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . of the roasting process. Thisroasting receipt is usually represented as a temperature versus timeprofile.

Usually, this control is implemented based on the measure of at leastone temperature sensor positioned in the vessel in feedback loopcontrol.

Control is applied on the heating device, generally on the heater and/oron the air driver.

When a quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny is introduced inside thevessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least:

-   -   the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and    -   the type Ny of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel.

The quantity can be the weight or alternatively the volume or level ofcoffee beans present in the vessel. Preferably the quantity is theweight.

When a customised quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny is introducedinside the vessel, the control system of the apparatus is configured todetermine the roasting recipe R adapted for this specific quantity m ofcoffee beans Ny.

The control system enables the roasting of any quantity of beans, inparticular quantities for which no roasting recipe has been previouslydetermined or is accessible to by the control system.

With the present apparatus, in the case of such a new quantity, thecontrol system of the apparatus is configured to determine a roastingprofile adapted to the customised quantity.

Usually, the type Ny of the beans relates to at least one feature of thebeans which has the direct impact on the process of roasting the beans.

The type of coffee beans can relate to specific features such as:

-   -   the origin of the beans (Arabica, Robusta, . . . ) or a        particular mixture or blend of beans of different origins. The        mixture can be defined by the selection of specific beans and/or        by the ratio of these different specific beans.    -   the level of pre-roasting of the beans. The coffee beans to be        roasted can be green beans or can be partially pre-roasted beans        that is beans having been obtained by heating green coffee beans        and stopping said heating process before the end of the first        crack. These partially pre-roasted beans can be pre-roasted at        different levels with a direct impact on the subsequent final        roasting operated in the roasting apparatus.    -   the moisture of the beans,    -   the size of the beans.

The types of beans can refer explicitly to the nature of the beans likethe origin, the level of pre-roasting, . . . or can be a reference likean identification number, a SKU number or a trademark.

The type of beans Ny can be obtained by different ways:

-   -   from the user. In that case, the user interface of the apparatus        can display a list of types of beans and urge the user to select        the types she/he is introducing inside the vessel.        Alternatively, this list can be displayed through the interface        of a mobile device configured to communicate with the control        system of the apparatus.        or    -   from a code, such as a code provided on a beans package. In that        case, the apparatus can comprise a code reader and the control        system can be configured to urge the operator to scan the code        of the beans (for example provided on the beans package) she/he        is introducing inside the vessel.

Based on the obtained type Ny of coffee beans, the control system isconfigured to get access at least to a roasting recipe Ry, said recipebeing adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beansof type Ny.

This roasting recipe can be stored in a database or memory accessible tothe control system of the apparatus. Further to the step of obtainingthe type Ny of the beans, the control system can be configured to getaccess to the roasting recipe Ry of said identified coffee beans to beroasted.

In an alternative embodiment, the type Ny and the roasting recipe Ry canbe encoded in a code identifying the beans to be introduced inside thevessel. By the single step of reading the code associated to the beans,the control system can be configured to get directly access to theroasting recipe Ry associated to the beans.

Each roasting recipe Ry accessible by the control system is adapted fora specific type Ny of coffee beans, or even a specific blend ofdifferent types of coffee beans, and for a pre-determined quantity M ofsaid beans. This pre-determined quantity can be set to correspond to apoint between the minimum quantity and the maximum quantity able to beroasted inside the vessel of the roasting apparatus. Accordingly, forone type of beans, at least one roasting recipe adapted to the roastingof said pre-determined quantity M is accessible to the control system.

The control system is configured to get access to the pre-determinedquantity M associated to the roasting recipe Ry. In one embodiment, thispre-determined quantity can be the same for all the accessible roastingrecipes Ry and this pre-determined quantity can be stored by the controlsystem of the apparatus. In another embodiment, this pre-determinedquantity can be different according to the roasting recipe Ry. In thatlatter case, the control system is configured to get access to saidpre-determined quantity M associated to the respective roasting recipeRy too.

This roasting recipe Ry adapted to the roasting of the pre-determinedquantity M of beans of type Ny is usually defined by experimentation.Preferably, the roasting recipe is linked to the type of roastingapparatus itself such as the internal design like the shape of thevessel, the position of the components (e.g. the temperature sensor)and/or such as the types of components like the heating device.

Based on the roasting recipe Ry and on the quantity m of coffee beansintroduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured todetermine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to the customisedquantity m.

Advantageously objects of the invention are solved since the abovefeature enables control of the roasting apparatus in order to apply aroasting profile depending on the quantity of coffee beans introducedinside the apparatus to guarantee that, whatever the quantity and thetype, the beans are correctly roasted.

Preferably, the control system is configured to determine said roastingrecipe (R) to be applied on the coffee beans

-   -   from said accessible roasting recipe Ry, said roasting recipe Ry        providing the temperatures T_(M@t1), T_(M@t2), . . .        respectively to be applied at discrete successive times t₁, t₂,        . . . , and    -   from the obtained quantity m of beans introduced inside the        vessel,        by determining the temperature T_(m) to be applied to the        obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive        times t₁, t₂, . . . as follows:

if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·C·(m−M)/M]

if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·C·(M−m)/M]

-   -   with C≤1.

In one mode by default, C equals 1.

As mentioned before, the control system is configured to get access tosaid quantity M.

In addition, based on the obtained type Ni, the control system can beconfigured:

-   -   to get access to a coefficient Cy specific to said type Ny of        coffee beans, and    -   to determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied on the coffee        beans by determining the temperature T_(m) to be applied to the        obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive        times t₁, t₂, . . . as follows:

if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·Cy·(m−M)/M]

if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·Cy·(M−m)/M].

In a particular embodiment, the control system is configured to obtainthe further use of the roasted beans in a list of pre-determined uses(uα, uβ, . . . ), and

-   -   based on the obtained type Ny and on the obtained specific        further use u_(x), the control system is configured to get        access at least to a roasting recipe R_(y)x, said recipe being        adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of        beans of type Ny and for the specific further use u_(x) of said        roasted beans, and    -   based on the accessible roasting recipe R_(y)x and based on said        obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the        vessel, the control system is configured to determine the        roasting recipe (R) to be applied on said obtained quantity m of        coffee beans introduced inside the vessel for the specific        further use of the roasted beans.

The further use of the roasted beans relates to the process of coffeeextraction to be applied to the coffee beans once they have been roastedby the roasting apparatus. This further use desired by the user can befor example: preparation of an espresso, preparation of coffee by dripfiltering, by French press, preparation of cold brewed coffee. The factof desiring to use one of these extracted coffees to prepare a white cupby mixing with milk, creamer, . . . can be taken into account too.

The advantage is that the specific quantity m of coffee beans can beroasted to adapt the sensory profile of the resulting roasted coffeebeans to this subsequent preparation.

In addition, in this embodiment where the further use u_(x) of coffeebeans Ny is obtained, the control system of the apparatus can be figuredto:

-   -   get access to a coefficient Cx_(y) specific to said further use        of coffee beans Ny, and    -   determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied on said quantity        m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by determining        the temperature T_(m) to be applied to the obtained quantity m        of beans at each of said discrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . .        as follows:

if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·Cxy·(m−M)/M]

if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·Cxy·(M−m)/M].

According to one mode, the quantity m of coffee beans introduced in thevessel can be obtained from the user. In that case, the apparatus cancomprise a user interface to enable the user to enter the quantity ofbeans she/he is introducing inside the vessel. Alternatively, thisquantity can be entered through the interface of a mobile deviceconfigured to communicate with the control system of the apparatusmeaning the control system can comprise a communication interface tocommunicate with the external mobile device.

In one embodiment, the vessel of the apparatus can be transparent andthe wall of the vessel can present level indicators readable by theoperator.

Consequently, when the operator introduces the beans in the transparentvessel, he/she is able to read the introduced quantity by looking at thelevel indicator. This information can then be entered as an input insidethe control system of the apparatus, for example through a userinterface.

In another mode, the quantity m of coffee beans introduced in the vesselcan be obtained-from a measuring device configured to measure thequantity m of beans and connected to the control system of theapparatus. In that case, the measure of the quantity of the beans can beautomatically provided to the control system of the apparatus.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus can comprise said measuringdevice configured to measure the quantity m of beans introduced in thevessel and, in the step of supplying the controller with the quantity mof coffee beans, said quantity of coffee beans can be automaticallymeasured by the measuring device and supplied to the control system ofthe apparatus.

The measuring device can be

-   -   a scale measuring weight of coffee beans, or    -   a device comprising at least one cavity of predetermined volume,        or    -   a level sensor measuring a volume of coffee beans inside the        vessel.

Preferably, this quantity is the weight and the measuring apparatus is aweight scale.

The device comprising at least one cavity of predetermined volumeenables the user to select a cavity of predetermined volume and to fillthis cavity completely with beans with the result that a defined volumeof beans is measured. The control system of the roasting apparatus isprovided with this precise volume of beans. In one specific embodiment,the roasting apparatus can comprise a set of different vessels tocontain different volumes of coffee beans, such as small, medium andlarge volume vessels. In that embodiment the control system can beconfigured to obtain the quantity of coffee beans inside the vessel byrecognising which vessel (small, medium, large) is positioned inside theroasting apparatus. The measuring device can be a level sensor measuringa volume of coffee beans inside the vessel. The vessel can be removedfrom the roasting apparatus during the filling operation and once thevessel is positioned back inside the roasting apparatus, the levelsensor can measure the level of beans. The process control is configuredto deduce the volume of beans from said measured level.

If it is the volume of beans that is measured then, based on anidentification of the type of the beans, their density can be obtained,and accordingly their precise weight can be deduced.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus can comprise:

-   -   a set of different vessels, each vessel being configured to hold        a specific quantity of coffee beans, and    -   a vessel recognition device, and    -   in the step of obtaining the quantity m of beans introduced in        the vessel, said quantity of coffee beans is automatically        supplied by the control system recognising the vessel.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus can comprise:

-   -   a container to store coffee beans,    -   a dosing device to dose and supply coffee beans to the vessel,        and, in the step of obtaining the quantity m of identified beans        introduced in the vessel, the quantity of dosed coffee beans can        be automatically supplied to the control system.

In a particular embodiment, the apparatus can comprise an identificationdevice configured to read identification means from a beans package,said beans package being configured to supply the vessel of theapparatus with its whole content, and said identification meansproviding directly or indirectly the quantity m of beans inside thepackage.

In a second aspect, there is provided a system for roasting coffee beanscomprising:

-   -   a roasting apparatus such as described above,        and    -   an apparatus for measuring a quantity of coffee beans introduced        inside the vessel, and wherein the control system of the        roasting apparatus is operable to obtain:    -   the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and        measured by the measuring apparatus.

Communication means can enable communication between the roastingapparatus and the measuring apparatus through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a cable(USB, Serial), optical communication, GSM communication.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of roasting coffee beansusing the apparatus such as described above and applying a roastingrecipe providing the temperature T_(@t1), T_(@t2), . . . to be appliedat discrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . , respectively, the methodcomprising:

-   -   obtaining the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the        vessel and the type Ny of the coffee beans introduced inside the        vessel, and    -   based on the obtained type Ny, getting access at least to a        roasting recipe Ry, said recipe being adapted to the roasting of        one pre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ny and to said        pre-determined quantity M, and    -   based on the accessible roasting recipe Ry, on the accessible        pre-determined quantity M, and on said obtained quantity m of        coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, determining the        roasting recipe (R) to be applied to the quantity m of coffee        beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel.

Preferably, the roasting recipe (R) to be applied on the coffee beans isdetermined

-   -   from said accessible roasting recipe Ry, said roasting recipe Ry        providing the temperatures T_(M@t1), T_(M@t2), respectively to        be applied at discrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . , and    -   from said accessible pre-determined quantity M,    -   from the obtained quantity m of beans introduced inside the        vessel,        by determining the temperature T_(m) to be applied to the        obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive        times t₁, t₂, . . . as follows:

if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·C·(m−M)/M]

if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·C·(M−m)/M]

with C≤1.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program of a processingunit of control system of an apparatus for roasting coffee beans such asdescribed above, the computer program comprising program code and/orprogram logic which when executed on the processing unit effects thesteps:

-   -   obtaining the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the        vessel and the identification of the nature Ny of the coffee        beans introduced inside the vessel, and    -   getting access at least to a roasting recipe Ry of coffee beans        of nature Ny, said recipe being adapted to the roasting of one        pre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ny, and to said        pre-determined quantity M,    -   based on the accessible roasting recipe Ry and the accessible        pre-determined quantity M, and based on said obtained quantity m        of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, determining the        roasting recipe (R) to be applied to the coffee beans introduced        inside the vessel.

Preferably, the roasting recipe (R) to be applied on the coffee beans isdetermined

-   -   from said accessible roasting recipe Ry, said roasting recipe Ry        providing the temperatures T_(M@t1), T_(M@t2), respectively to        be applied at discrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . , and    -   from said pre-determined quantity M, and    -   from the obtained quantity m of beans introduced inside the        vessel,        by determining the temperature T_(m) to be applied to the        obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive        times t₁, t₂, . . . as follows:

if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·C·(m−M)/M]

if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·C·(M−m)/M]

with C≤1.

The above aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitablecombination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with oneor more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than thosespecifically illustrated and described. Further objects and advantageousfeatures of the invention will be apparent from the claims, from thedetailed description, and annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be betterunderstood in relation to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a general roasting apparatus enablingthe implementation of the method of the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control system of the generalapparatus according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 illustrates the type of roasting recipes Ry adapted to theroasting of a pre-determined quantity of different beans,

FIG. 4 represents the determination of the roasting recipe R for acustomised quantity m of beans of type N₂ from a recipe R₂,

FIG. 5 represent schematically series of roasting recipes for differenttypes of beans and for different further uses,

FIGS. 6a to 6d schematically illustrate different embodiments of thesystem according to the present invention,

FIGS. 7 and 8 represent schematically methods to use systems accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Roasting Apparatus

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view part of a roasting apparatus 1.Functionally, the roasting apparatus 1 is operable to roast coffee beanshold in a vessel 11 by means of a flow of hot air introduced inside thisvessel. At a first level, the apparatus comprises: a housing 15, aroasting unit 10 and a control system 180. These components will now besequentially described.

Housing of Roasting Apparatus

The housing 15 houses and supports the aforementioned components andcomprises a base 151 and a body 152. The base 151 being for abutmentwith a support surface, preferably through feet 154 that provide a gapbetween the base and the support surface.

The body 152 is for mounting thereto the components.

Roasting Unit of Roasting Apparatus

The roasting unit 10 is operable to receive and roast coffee beans.

The roasting unit 10 typically comprises at a second level of theroasting apparatus 1: a vessel 11 and a heating device 12, which aresequentially described.

The vessel 11 is configured to receive and hold the coffee beansintroduced by the operator. A removable cover 17 enables theintroduction and removal of beans. The bottom of the vessel isconfigured to enable air to pass through, specifically it can be aperforated plate 14 on which the beans can lie and through which air canflow upwardly.

A chaff collector 16 is in flow communication with the vessel 1 toreceive chaffs that progressively separate from the beans and due totheir light density are blown off to the chaff collector.

The vessel 11 comprises a handle 112 in order to enable the user toremove the vessel from the housing 15 and get the roasted beans.

In the illustrated embodiment the vessel 1 is at least partiallytransparent and comprises an upper level line 111 b and a lower levelline 111 a designed on the vessel. Once the beans have been introducedinside the vessel 1, the user is able to check the quantity of beansintroduced by reference to these levels 111 a, 111 b. In particular, theoperator is able to check if the quantity is inferior to the lowerlevel, between the lower and upper levels or above the upper level.

In an alternative embodiment of the roaster, not represented, theroasting unit can comprise a device to automatically detect the quantityof beans introduced inside the vessel 1, like a weight scale or a levelsensor (capacitive or optical) inside the vessel.

In another embodiment of the roaster, not represented, the roasting unitcan comprise a set of different vessels, each vessel being configured tohold a specific quantity of coffee beans. The roasting unit can comprisea vessel recognition device.

The heating device 12 comprises an air flow driver 121 and a heater 122.

The air flow driver 121 is operable to generate a flow of hot air indirection of the bottom of the vessel. The generated flow is configuredto heat the beans and to agitate and lift the beans. As a result thebeans are homogenously heated. Specifically, the air flow driver can bea fan powered by a motor 13. Air inlets 153 can be provided inside thebase 151 of the housing in order to feed air inside the housing, the airflow driver blowing this air in direction of the vessel 11 asillustrated by doted lines arrows.

The heater 122 is operable to heat the flow of air generated by the airflow driver 121. In the specific illustrated embodiment, the heater isan electrical resistance being positioned between the fan and theperforated plate 14 with the result that the flow of air is heatedbefore it enters the vessel 11 to heat and to lift the beans.

The heater 122 and/or the air flow driver 121 is/are operable to apply aroasting profile to the beans, this roasting profile being defined as acurve of temperature against time.

Although the invention is described with a roaster implementing afluidized bed of hot air, the invention not limited to this specifictype of roasting apparatus. Drum roasters and other kinds of roasterscan be used.

The roasting apparatus 10 usually comprises a user interface 20 enablingthe display and the input of information.

The roasting apparatus can comprise a code reader to read a codeassociated to a type of coffee beans, for example present on the packageof coffee beans. Preferably, this code reader is positioned in theapparatus so that the operator is able to easily position a code infront of it. It is preferably positioned at the front face of theapparatus, for example close to a user interface 20 of the apparatus.Accordingly, information provided by the code can be immediatelydisplayed through the display of the user interface 20 positioned aside.

Control System of Roasting Apparatus

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the control system 180 will now beconsidered: the control system 180 is operable to control the componentsof the roasting unit to roast coffee beans. The control system 180typically comprises at a second level of roasting apparatus: a userinterface 20, a processing unit 18, sensors 23, a power supply 21, amemory 19, optionally a communication interface 24 for remoteconnection, optionally a code reader 3, optionally a measuring device 4,optionally a database 25.

The user interface 20 comprises hardware to enable a user to interfacewith the processing unit 1, by means of user interface signal. Moreparticularly, the user interface receives commands from a user, the userinterface signal transfers the said commands to the processing unit 18as an input. The commands may, for example, be an instruction to executea roasting process and/or to adjust an operational parameter of theroasting apparatus 1 and/or to power on or off the roasting apparatus 1.The processing unit 18 may also output feedback to the user interface 20as part of the roasting process, e.g. to indicate the roasting processhas been initiated or that a parameter associated with the process hasbeen selected or to indicate the evolution of a parameter during theprocess or to create an alarm.

In a particular embodiment, the user interface can be used:

-   -   to provide identification of the coffee beans introduced inside        the vessel by the user by manual input such as selection of an        identification type in a list of pre-selected coffee beans or by        entering a digital reference of the coffee, for example read        from a coffee beans package.    -   to provide the quantity m of the coffee beans introduced inside        the vessel by manual input.    -   to provide the further use u_(x) of the beans introduced in and        to be roasted inside the vessel by manual input such as        selection of the use in a list of pre-determined uses (uα, uβ, .        . . ).

The hardware of the user interface may comprise any suitable device(s),for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following:buttons, such as a joystick button, knob or press button, joystick,LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, graphical screen with touch sensingand/or screen edge buttons. The user interface 20 can be formed as oneunit or a plurality of discrete units.

A part of the user interface can also be on a mobile app when theapparatus is provided with a communication interface 24 as describedbelow. In that case the input and output can be transmitted to themobile device through the communication interface 24.

The sensors 23 are operable to provide an input signal to the processingunit 18 for monitoring of the roasting process and/or a status of theroasting apparatus. The input signal can be an analogue or digitalsignal. The sensors 23 typically comprise at least one temperaturesensor 231 and optionally one or more of the following sensors: levelsensor associated with the vessel 1, air flow rate sensor, positionsensor associated with the vessel and/or the chaff collector.

If the apparatus or the system comprises a measuring device 4, thisdevice is operable to provide the input 22 that is the quantity ofcoffee beans introduced inside the vessel 11. This input 22 can be theweight of the beans measured by a scale or a volume of beans or a levelmeasured by a level sensor associated with the vessel 11.

A code reader 3 can be provided and operable to read a code, for exampleon coffee beans package, and automatically provide an input 30 that isthe identification of the coffee beans introduced in the measuringdevice 4 or in the vessel 11.

The processing unit 18 generally comprise memory, input and outputsystem components arranged as an integrated circuit, typically as amicroprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing unit 18 maycomprises other suitable integrated circuits, such as: an ASIC, aprogrammable logic device such as a PAL, CPLD, FPGA, PSoC, a system on achip (SoC), an analogue integrated circuit, such as a controller. Forsuch devices, where appropriate, the aforementioned program code can beconsidered programed logic or to additionally comprise programmed logic.The processing unit 18 may also comprise one or more of theaforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the later is severalintegrated circuits is arranged in communication with each other in amodular fashion e.g.: a slave integrated circuit to control the userinterface 20 in communication with a master integrated circuit tocontrol the roasting unit 10.

The power supply 21 is operable to supply electrical energy to the saidcontrolled components and the processing unit 18. The power supply 21may comprise various means, such as a battery or a unit to receive andcondition a main electrical supply. The power supply 21 may beoperatively linked to part of the user interface 20 for powering on oroff the roasting apparatus 1.

The processing unit 18 generally comprises a memory unit 19 for storageof instructions as program code and optionally data. To this end thememory unit typically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPROM,EEPROM or Flash for the storage of program code and operating parametersas instructions, volatile memory (RAM) for temporary data storage.

The memory unit may comprise separate and/or integrated (e.g. on a dieof the semiconductor) memory. For programmable logic devices theinstructions can be stored as programmed logic.

The instructions stored on the memory unit 19 can be idealised ascomprising a coffee beans roasting program.

The control system 180 is operable to apply this coffee beans roastingprogram by controlling the heating device 12—that is, in the particularillustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the air flow driver 121 and/or theheater 122—usually using signal of the temperature probe 231.

The coffee beans roasting program can effect control of the saidcomponents using extraction information encoded on a code and/or otherinformation that may be stored as data on the memory unit 19 or from aremote source through the communication interface and/or input via theuser interface 20 and/or signal of the sensors 23.

In particular, the control system is configured to apply a roastingrecipe (R) providing the temperature T_(@t1), T_(@t2), T_(@tfinal) to beapplied at discrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . , t_(final)respectively.

With that aim, the processing unit 18 is operable to:

-   -   receive an input of the temperature sensor 231,    -   process the input according to roasting recipe R,    -   provide an output, which is the roasting recipe R. More        specifically the output comprises the operation of at least the        heater 122 and the air flow driver 121.

The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 231 is used to adaptthe power of the heater 122 and/or the power of the motor 13 of the airdriver 121 in a feedback loop in order to apply the roasting recipe R tothe beans.

Depending on the type of control applied in the roaster, the heater 122can be powered at one pre-determined power, meaning its temperature isconstant, and in that case the power of the motor 13 of the air driver121 can be controlled based on the temperature monitored at the sensor231 in order to vary the time of contact of the flow air through theheater during its movement.

Alternatively, the motor 13 of the air driver 121 can be powered at onepre-determined power, meaning the flow rate of air is constant, and inthat case the power of the heater 122 can be controlled based on thetemperature monitored at the sensor 231 in order to heat more or lessair during its passage through the heating device.

In a last alternative, both heater 122 and motor 13 can be controlledbased on the monitoring of the temperature by sensor 231.

The control system 180 can comprise a communication interface 24 fordata communication of the roasting apparatus 1 with another deviceand/or system, such as a server system, a mobile device and/or ameasuring apparatus. The communication interface 24 can be used tosupply and/or receive information related to the coffee beans roastingprocess, such as roasting process information, nature of the beans,quantity of beans. The communication interface 24 may comprise a firstand second communication interface for data communication with severaldevices at once or communication via different media.

The communication interface 24 can be configured for cabled media orwireless media or a combination thereof, e.g.: a wired connection, suchas RS-232, USB, 120, Ethernet define by IEEE 802.3, a wirelessconnection, such as wireless LAN (e.g. IEEE 802.11) or near fieldcommunication (NFC) or a cellular system such as GPRS or GSM. Thecommunication interface 24 interfaces with the processing unit 18, bymeans of a communication interface signal. Generally the communicationinterface comprises a separate processing unit (examples of which areprovided above) to control communication hardware (e.g. an antenna) tointerface with the master processing unit 18. However, less complexconfigurations can be used e.g. a simple wired connection for serialcommunication directly with the processing unit 18.

The processing unit 18 enables access to different roasting recipes (R₁,R₂, . . . R₅) adapted to the roasting of pre-determined quantities (M₁,M₂, . . . M₅) of beans of different natures (N₁, N₂, . . . N₅).

These recipes and the pre-determined quantities can be stored in thememory 19 of the processing unit 18. Alternatively, these data can bestored in a remote server and the processing unit 18 can be suppliedwith access to this remote server through the communication interface24, directly or indirectly through a mobile device establishingconnection between the remote server and the processing unit.

These recipes and quantities can be part of a database 25 stored in thememory unit 19 or remotely as mentioned above.

In one alternative embodiment, the control system can be provided withthe roasting recipes and their associated pre-determined quantities M,during a code reading operation, these pieces of information beingencoded inside the code and decoded by the control system.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the type of roasting recipes theprocessing unit 18 gets access to. Each of the illustrated roastingrecipes R₁, R₂, . . . R₅ provides the temperature profile to be appliedto coffee beans of different types N₁, N₂, . . . N₅ respectively, eachrecipe being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M₁,M₂, . . . M₅ of beans respectively. All the quantities M_(i) can be thesame quantity M corresponding for example to an average quantity thatcan be roasted in the apparatus, for example M equals 150 g for aroasting apparatus configured for roasting quantities comprised between50 g and 250 g. It is noted that although the pre-determined quantity Mis generally the same for all the recipes Ri, yet this is not mandatory.

The different types of beans N₁ to N₅ can relate to specific featuressuch as:

-   -   the origin of the beans (Arabica, Robusta, . . . ) or a        particular mixture of beans of different origins. The mixture        can be defined as the blend of beans of different specific        origins and by the ratio of these beans of different specific        origins,    -   the level of pre-roasting of the beans. The coffee beans to be        roasted can be green beans or can be partially pre-roasted beans        that is beans having been obtained by heating green coffee beans        and stopping said heating process before the end of the first        crack. These partially pre-roasted beans can be pre-roasted at        different levels with a direct impact on the subsequent        roasting.    -   the moisture of the beans,    -   the size of the beans.

These temperature profiles are usually defined by experimentation bydefining the optimal profile for a pre-determined quantity M of beanspreferably with the particular roaster.

In a particular embodiment, one series of roasting recipes R₁, R₂, . . .R₅ is adapted for a specific further use of the roasted beans. Dependingon the desired use of the final roasted beans—that is the way to extracta coffee beverage from the roasted beans—the sensory profile of theroasted coffee beans can be adapted to this subsequent preparation.

This further use can be:

-   -   preparation of an espresso coffee with pressurised hot water,    -   preparation of coffee with a French press,    -   preparation of coffee with a drip filter,    -   preparation of coffee by cold brew method,    -   preparation of a coffee whatever the extraction with the final        aim to prepare a white cup that is mixing extracted coffee with        a white component such as milk, creamer, . . . ,

FIG. 5 illustrates three different series of roasting recipes R₁, R₂, .. . R₅ adapted to the roasting of pre-determined quantity M of differenttypes of beans (Beans 1, Beans 2, Beans 3, . . . Beans 5) and for threedifferent uses (Use 1, Use 2, Use 3)

These temperature profiles are usually defined by experimentation bydefining the optimal profile for the pre-determined quantity M of beansof type Ny and for each specific further use.

When a customised quantity m of coffee beans of type N₂ is introducedinside the vessel 1 in order to be roasted, the processing unit 18 ofthe apparatus of the present invention is configured to implementseveral steps.

First, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present inventionis configured to obtain for the beans introduced inside the vessel:

-   -   the type Ny of said coffee beans, and    -   the quantity m of said type of coffee beans.

Optionally, the processing unit is configured to obtain the future useof the coffee beans.

As mentioned earlier, information about identification and quantity andoptionally use can be provided through the user interface 20 of theroasting apparatus, the display of the user interface guiding the userto enter information for each types of coffee.

Alternatively, for the identification of the coffee type, informationcan be obtained by means of a code reader 3, the user being able orincited to scan the code of the different beans in front of the codereader.

Alternatively, for the quantity of beans, the quantity can be measuredand automatically communicated to the control system 180, for example bythe use of a measuring device 4 directly connected to the apparatus orindirectly through the communication interface, as illustrated in FIG. 7or 8.

Then, in a further step, the control system of the roasting apparatus isconfigured to get access to information related to the roasting of thesecoffee beans Ny and in particular to the roasting recipes Ry, adapted tothe roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans of same type Nyand providing the temperatures T_(M@ti) to be applied to this quantityof beans Ny at discrete successive times ti respectively. For example,in FIG. 3, if the identified beans are beans of type N₂, the processingunit identifies the roasting recipe R₂.

In a further step, the processing unit 18 is operable to calculate aspecific roasting recipe R to be applied on said specific quantity m ofcoffee beans N₂ introduced inside the vessel from the this roastingrecipe R₂ and its associated pre-determined quantity M as illustrated inFIG. 4.

At discrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . , t₆, the temperature T_(m)to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of saiddiscrete successive times t₁, t₂, . . . t₆ is calculated from theroasting recipes R₂ as follows:

if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@t1) ·C·(m−M)/M]

if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@t1) ·C·(M−m)/M]

-   -   with C≤1.

If the pre-determined quantity M is set to 150 g and if the obtainedquantity m of coffee beans is 160 g, then, at time t₁, the temperatureto be applied T_(m@t1) is:

T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·C·(m−M)/M]

meaning, for example, for the illustrated above weights:

T _(M@t1)+[T _(M@t1) ·C·(160−150)/150]

Alternatively, if the pre-determined quantity M is set to 150 g and ifthe obtained quantity m of coffee beans is 135 g, then, at time t₁, thetemperature to be applied T_(m@t1) is:

T _(m@ti) =T _(m@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·C·(M−m)/M]

meaning, for example, for the illustrated above weights:

T _(M@t1)−[T _(M@t1) ·C·(150−135)/150]

The calculation is done for ti and then reproduced at each time t₂ to t₆determining the roasting recipe R for the quantity m of beans resultingin the profile R illustrated in FIG. 4 when m is superior to M.

These discrete successive times can be pre-defined to provide a finalroasting recipe with enough points to be implemented by the roastingapparatus. For example, successive time may differ by about 20 to 40seconds.

In the above formula, the coefficient C is usually fixed experimentallyand can vary depending on the roaster specifications (power, vesselsize, type of heater, . . . ), the type of the beans and/or the futureuse of the roasted beans.

In one embodiment, the coefficient C can be set according to the roasterspecifications only. In another embodiment, the coefficient C can be setaccording to the type of beans. In that case, coefficient C can be set:

-   -   generally at a high level of definition of the beans such as the        origin of the beans, e.g. Arabica or Robusta providing a        coefficient CA when Arabica beans are roasted and a coefficient        CR when Robusta beans are roasted,    -   or more precisely for each type of beans Ny by reference to        coefficient Cy adapted to specific type of beans Ny with more        precise criteria than the two general origins.

In these cases, the control system is configured to obtain the type ofbeans (Arabica, Robusta or Ny) introduced in the vessel and then to getaccess to the coefficient CA, CR or Cy corresponding to that type ofbeans.

Preferably, the coefficient C is set according to the roasterspecifications and the type of beans.

In a particular embodiment, the coefficient C can be set according tothe further use of the beans (Cxy).

In absence of information about the roaster or the type of beans or thefurther use, by default, the coefficient C equals 1.

In general, if the quantity provided by the measuring device is a volumeand not a weight, the weight can be deduced indirectly from an averagedensity of coffee beans or more preferably, the identification of thenature of the beans provides access to the exact density of said beansenabling the calculation of the weight of beans introduced in thevessel.

In the step of processing the output, the processing unit 18 operatesthe heating device usually in a closed-loop control using the inputsignal from the temperature sensor 231 as feedback to apply thetemperature versus time profile to the coffee beans corresponding to thedetermined roasting recipe (R).

In the same manner, where the processing unit is configured to obtainthe further use of the coffee beans desired by the operator too, thecontrol system of the roasting apparatus can be configured to getaccess, for each further use of sais beans (Use1, Use2, . . . ) to aseries of roasting recipes for each type of beans (N1, N2 . . . N5)like, as illustrated in FIG. 5:

-   -   series (R1;1, R1;2, R1;3 . . . R1;5) adapted to the roasting of        different types (N1, N2 . . . N5) of coffee beans for the        further Use 1, and    -   series (R2;1, R2;2, R2;3 . . . R2;5) adapted to the roasting of        different types (N1, N2 . . . N5) of coffee beans for the        further Use 2, and    -   series (R3;1, R3;2, R3;3 . . . R3;5) adapted to the roasting of        different types (N1, N2 . . . N5) of coffee beans for the        further Use 3.

System

FIG. 6a illustrates a system 100 of a roasting apparatus 1 and ameasuring device 4, preferably a scale. The roasting apparatus comprisesa vessel 11 configured for holding beans during the roasting operation.The measuring device 4 is configured to measure the quantity of coffeebeans and to communicate the measured quantity input 22 through acommunication interface to the control system 180 of the roastingapparatus.

FIG. 6b illustrates an alternative system 100 of a roasting apparatus 1and a measuring device 4, preferably a scale. The measuring device 4 ispart of the roasting apparatus, precisely it is integrated in the sameframe as the roasting apparatus, aside from the roasting apparatus. Themeasuring device 4 is configured to measure the quantity of coffee beansand to communicate the measured quantity input 22 to the control system180 of the roasting apparatus.

FIG. 6c illustrates an alternative system 100 of a roasting apparatus 1and a measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is part of the roastingapparatus 1. In one mode, the measuring device can be a scale, and, inits roasting position, the vessel 11 can be suspended to the scale. Inthat mode, the vessel is weighted before the vessel is completely lockedin the roasting apparatus to apply roasting.

In another mode, the measuring device can be a level sensor, and, in itsroasting position, the level of beans can be measured. The measuringdevice 4 is configured to communicate the measured quantity as an input22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

FIG. 6d illustrates an alternative system 100 of a roasting apparatus 1and a measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is a scale that is partof the roasting apparatus. Precisely in its roasting position, thevessel 11 lays on the scale. The scale 4 is configured to weight coffeebeans and to communicate the measured weight as an input 22 to thecontrol system 180 of the roasting apparatus. Then the vessel is lockedinside the roasting apparatus and roasting can be applied.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 100 where the roasting apparatus 1 and themeasuring apparatus 4 are physically separated. In this system, thecoffee beans 5 are introduced and measured in an intermediate container6 before being introduced inside the vessel 11 of the roasting apparatus1.

This system is particularly useful when the vessel is not removable formthe roaster, for example in case of drum roasters.

The measuring device 4 is connected through a cable (USB, Serial) to theroasting apparatus and is able to supply the control system of theroasting apparatus with the measured quantity 22 of beans.Alternatively, the connection can be established through Wi-Fi orBluetooth.

FIG. 8 provides an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 7 wherethe vessel 11 is removable from the roasting apparatus and can be placedon the measuring apparatus 4 in filling and measuring position beforebeing positioned back on the roasting apparatus in a roasting position.Preferably the measuring apparatus 4 comprises a receiving areaconfigured for holding the vessel 11 of a roasting apparatus so that itis securely hold during filling and measuring. For example, themeasuring device can present an interface matching with the bottom ofthe vessel. Preferably, the measuring device is configured toautomatically provide the weight of beans without the tare weight of thevessel.

The roasting apparatus of the present invention presents the advantageof providing the operator with flexibility in terms of quantity of beansto be roasted while guaranteeing a constant quality of roasting.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the aboveillustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention asclaimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

Variations and modifications may be made without departing from thescope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, whereknown equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents areincorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, andsimilar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustivesense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but notlimited to”.

List of references in the drawings: roaster 1 roasting unit 10 vessel 11levels 111a, 111b handle 112 heating device 12 air flow driver 121heater 122 motor 13 perforated plate 14 housing 15 base 151 body 152 airinlet 153 feet 154 chaff collector 16 cover 17 processing unit 18control system 180 memory 19 user interface 20 power supply 21 measuredquantity input 22 sensor 23 temperature sensor 231 communicationinterface 24 database 25 code reader 3 measuring device 4 coffee beans 5intermediate container 6 system 100

1. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising: a vessel tocontain coffee beans, a heating device to heat coffee beans contained inthe vessel, a control system operable to control the heating device andconfigured to apply a roasting recipe providing a temperature T_(@t1),to be applied at discrete successive times t₁, wherein, for a customisedquantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel, thecontrol system is configured to obtain at least: the quantity m ofcoffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the type Ny of coffeebeans introduced inside the vessel, and based on the obtained type Ny,the control system is configured to get access at least to a roastingrecipe Ry, said recipe being adapted to the roasting of onepre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ny, and to saidpre-determined quantity M, and based on the accessible roasting recipeRy, on the accessible pre-determined quantity M and on said obtainedquantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the controlsystem is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied tothe quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel.2. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to claim 1, whereinthe control system is configured to determine said roasting recipe to beapplied on the coffee beans from said accessible roasting recipe Ry,said roasting recipe Ry providing the temperatures T_(M@t1), to beapplied at discrete successive times t₁, and from said accessiblepre-determined quantity M and from the obtained quantity m of beansintroduced inside the vessel, by determining the temperature T_(M@t1),to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of saiddiscrete successive times t₁, as follows:if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·C·(m−M)/M]if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·C·(M−n)/M] with C≤1.
 3. Anapparatus for roasting coffee beans according to claim 1, wherein Cequals
 1. 4. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to claim2, wherein based on the obtained type Ni, the control system isconfigured: to get access to a coefficient Cy specific to said type Nyof coffee beans, and to determine the roasting recipe to be applied onthe coffee beans by determining the temperature T_(m) to be applied tothe obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successivetimes t₁, t₂, . . . as follows:if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·Cy·(m−M)/M]if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@ti) ·Cy·(M−m)/M].
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein quantities (m, M) are weightquantities.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the controlsystem is configured to obtain the further use of the roasted beans in alist of pre-determined uses uα, and based on the obtained type Ny and onthe obtained specific further use ux, the control system is configuredto get access at least to a roasting recipe Ryx, said recipe beingadapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans oftype Ny and for the specific further use ux of said roasted beans, andto said pre-determined quantity M, and wherein, based on the accessibleroasting recipe Ryx and the accessible pre-determined quantity M andbased on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside thevessel, the control system is configured to determine the roastingrecipe to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beansintroduced inside the vessel for the specific further use of the roastedbeans.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatuscomprises a measuring device configured to measure the quantity m ofbeans introduced in the vessel and, in the step of obtaining thequantity m of beans introduced in the vessel, said quantity m of coffeebeans is automatically measured by the measuring device.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the measuring device is: a scalemeasuring weight of coffee beans, or a device comprising at least onecavity of predetermined volume, or a level sensor measuring a volume ofcoffee beans inside the vessel.
 9. System for roasting coffee beanscomprising: a roasting apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffeebeans, a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel, acontrol system operable to control the heating device and configured toapply a roasting recipe providing a temperature T_(@t1), to be appliedat discrete successive times t₁, wherein, for a customised quantity m ofcoffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel, the control systemis configured to obtain at least: the quantity m of coffee beansintroduced inside the vessel, and the type Ny of coffee beans introducedinside the vessel, and based on the obtained type Ny, the control systemis configured to get access at least to a roasting recipe Ry, saidrecipe being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M ofbeans of type Ny, and to said pre-determined quantity M, and based onthe accessible roasting recipe Ry, on the accessible pre-determinedquantity M and on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introducedinside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine theroasting recipe to be applied to the quantity m of coffee beans of typeNy introduced inside the vessel, and an apparatus for measuring aquantity of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and wherein thecontrol system of the roasting apparatus is operable to obtain thequantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and measured bythe measuring apparatus.
 10. A method of roasting coffee beanscomprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans, a heating device to heatcoffee beans contained in the vessel, a control system operable tocontrol the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipeproviding a temperature T_(@t1), to be applied at discrete successivetimes t₁, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans of typeNy introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured toobtain at least: the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside thevessel, and the type Ny of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel,and based on the obtained type Ny, the control system is configured toget access at least to a roasting recipe Ry, said recipe being adaptedto the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ny,and to said pre-determined quantity M, and based on the accessibleroasting recipe Ry, on the accessible pre-determined quantity M and onsaid obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel,the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to beapplied to the quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced insidethe vessel and applying a roasting recipe providing the temperatureT_(@t1), to be applied at discrete successive times t₁, the methodcomprising: obtaining the quantity m of coffee beans introduced insidethe vessel and the type Ny of the coffee beans introduced inside thevessel, and based on the obtained type Ni, getting access at least to aroasting recipe Ry, said recipe being adapted to the roasting of onepre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ny, and to saidpre-determined quantity M, and based on the accessible roasting recipeRy and the accessible pre-determined quantity M, and based on saidobtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel,determining the roasting recipe to be applied to the quantity m ofcoffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel.
 11. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the roasting recipe to be applied on thecoffee beans is determined from said accessible roasting recipe Ry, saidroasting recipe Ry providing the temperatures T_(M@t1), respectively tobe applied at discrete successive times t₁, and from said accessiblepre-determined quantity M, and from the obtained quantity m of beansintroduced inside the vessel, by determining the temperature T_(m) to beapplied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discretesuccessive times t₁, as follows:if m>M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)+[T _(M@ti) ·C·(m−M)/M]if m<M, then T _(m@ti) =T _(M@ti)−[T _(M@t1) ·C·(M−m)/M] with C≤1.12-13. (canceled)